The ability to differentiate science from science fiction might be considered an essential quality in those who stand on their soapboxes to proclaim the virtues of particular therapies. Not so the protagonists of electrotherapy. It is difficult to think of any treatment modality which until recently has been so neglected by the purists. This is reflected in the plethora of literature churned out on the subject, much of which relates to 'back street' studies which are woefully short on science and method.